Mayor praises volunteers as unsung heroes - The Worcester Observer

Mayor praises volunteers as unsung heroes

Worcester Editorial 22nd Jun, 2019   0

A CELEBRATION of Worcester’s volunteers was held at the Commandery to pay tribute to more than 140 people who give up their time to help make the city a better place.

Mayor of Worcester Coun Allah Ditta welcomed the volunteers to a reception during National Volunteers Week which ran earlier this month.

As well as 140 volunteers at the reception, 360 people attended a Volunteer Expo at The Guildhall on June 7, meeting representatives from around 40 charities and organisations which were looking to attract more volunteers.

Speaking at the reception, Coun Ditta said: “Some volunteers help to make our city beautiful, green and inviting.




“Many help to improve the quality of life for some of Worcester’s most vulnerable residents and others help to bring communities together by helping out at a whole host of exciting events.

“Many volunteers I’ve met are extremely modest about their achievements, and they often have a tendency to shy away from the limelight.


“However, I think it’s time we shouted about the enormous difference they are making to our city and the people who live here.

“I’d like to thank every single volunteer in Worcester for giving of your time so generously.”

Worcester City Council has recorded 19,449 hours of volunteers’ time between April 2018 and March 2019 to help spruce up Worcester’s parks and spaces alone. They operate allotment sites, organise community events and undertake conservation work.

However, this figure is believed to be the tip of the iceberg, and doesn’t reflect the multitude of hours volunteers give in other areas such as caring, mentoring, drama and dance, sport, heritage and helping young people.

Special tribute was paid to Allen Barnatt, who stepped down in April as chair of the Friends of Gheluvelt Park, after 15 years in the role.

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